National Arts Club board prez accused of hoarding and favoritism

Images of alleged hoarding at 15 Gramercy Park South and O. Aldon James

The president of the board at the National Arts Club is being accused of renting apartments at the organization’s clubhouse at 15 Gramercy Park South at below-market rates, where he also reportedly “stuffs” his personal belongings, a ritual that feeds his reported hoarding compulsion, according to Gawker and DNAinfo, which first reported the story. O. Aldon James allegedly rented out rooms at the clubhouse for as little as $356 a month to trustees, friends and even family members, according to ex-employees of the National Arts Club and board members there. James pays $1,143 per month for his own apartment there, according to the club’s most recent tax records, while friend and real estate attorney James Leitner paid $858 a month and James’ twin brother, John, paid less than $400. In addition to these alleged improper leases, shocking images from inside the tony clubhouse residences have emerged, reportedly showing the results of James’ widespread hoarding problem. James’ has not yet commented on the photos, taken by club employees in December, or other allegations relating to the residences in the clubhouse. [DNAinfo] and [Gawker]